AAM Concerts

Bach & Telemann: Reversed Fortunes

Bach & Telemann: Reversed Fortunes

Soloists from the Academy of Ancient Music perform some of the greatest music by these joint pillars of the German baroque.

Though Telemann may now languish in the shadow of his contemporary and close friend JS Bach, during his lifetime Telemann was regarded as the far more talented composer. (Offered the position of Cantor at St Thomas’ Leipzig ahead of Bach, the authorities felt short-changed when Telemann turned them down and Bach was appointed). One of history’s most prolific composers, Telemann’s music was extremely popular and influential until the 19th century when his reputation fell into obscurity. Showcasing some of Telemann’s finest works alongside two of Bach’s beloved Brandenburg concertos, here we give this wonderful composer equal billing with his more celebrated peer.